Rex, Tonia, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences

Tonia Rex, Ph.D.
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
11425 Langford MRBIV
615-936-2120 (office)
tonia.rex@vanderbilt.edu

The Rex laboratory uses recombinant adeno-associated viruses to deliver mutated forms of erythropoietin (EPO) developed in her laboratory into animal models of Glaucoma and ocular neurotrauma. Her laboratory identified forms of EPO that are neuroprotective and do not induce a rise in red blood cell count, thus making them safer for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. She has shown great efficacy with pre-treatment in a mouse model of Glaucoma and is now investigating the efficacy of delayed therapy and long-term outcomes, as well as investigating the mechanism of action. Dr. Rex also developed a model of ocular trauma that mimics injuries incurred by exposure to an explosive device. Her laboratory is investigating the mechanism of cell death in this model as well as using gene therapy to treat or prevent the subsequent neurodegeneration.

For more information, please visit the lab website.